There are a variety of things that can make teeth fall out or need to be pulled, including injuries, trauma, gum disease, and cavities. Regardless of the reason why you lost your teeth, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible so you can prevent other issues from developing. The most permanent way to replace teeth is dental implants. Since the placement of these titanium posts requires a surgical procedure, it’s important to ensure that you have all the information you need before you proceed. So that you know what information you need to make the right decision for your smile, here are four questions to ask your dentist at your dental implant consultation.
Question #1: How Much Experience Do You Have with Dental Implants?
To ensure that your dentist is qualified to perform your tooth replacement procedure, find out if they’re a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. You will also want to make sure that they’re an oral surgery professional or aboard-certified periodontist. Ask how much experience they have placing dental implants. A qualified implant dentist will have performed numerous successful procedures.
Question #2: Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
During the dental implant procedure, your dentist will make an incision in your gums so the implants can be inserted into the jawbone. For this reason, it’s important that you have healthy gums and a healthy jaw before you move forward with surgery. If you have gum disease, you will need to undergo treatment to get rid of the infection and try to repair the damage. Your dentist will also take X-rays so they know whether your jaw is strong enough to hold implants. If it isn’t, they may recommend a bone graft.
Question #3: How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?
As previously mentioned, dental implants are inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. Once there, they fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. This is what provides them with their unmatched stability. Your dentist will be able to give you specifics on how the procedure works as well as an estimate on how long it will take to complete.
Question #4: How Long Does Recovery Take?
Though most people feel back to normal within two weeks of having implants placed, it will take four to six months for one’s jaw to completely heal. Make sure to give yourself enough time to heal by making arrangements at work, school, or any other responsibilities you have. Additionally, don’t eat crunchy, sticky, tough, sharp, chewy, acidic, or spicy foods until you’ve healed as they can irritate your mouth. Any foods or drinks that are overly hot or cold should also be avoided
With these four questions, you’ll be able to get the information you need to ensure that dental implants are the best choice for your smile. A healthier, happier grin will be yours in no time!
About the Author
Whether you lost teeth due to injury, decay, or for some other reason, Conroe Advanced Dentistry is here to help you fill in the gaps. They offer several tooth replacement options, including high-quality, durable dental implants. These replacement tooth roots are an excellent way to maintain the health of your jaw, regain some of your bite power, and keep your smile looking its best. To make an appointment with Conroe Advanced Dentistry or for more information on dental implants, visit their website or call their office at (936) 756-2420.